Judiciary block grant lauded by Supreme Court as key to faster justice

The Supreme Court has lauded President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s announcement on Thursday regarding the introduction of a block grant for the judiciary, commencing in 2026. The court stated that this decision would expedite the administration of justice.

In a post on 'X', the court applauded the President's decision, calling it a historic move to uphold the progress and independence of the judiciary.

The Supreme Court's post conveyed, "I hope this decision will facilitate the resolution of many financial problems facing the judiciary and accelerate the work of establishing justice."

Earlier on Thursday, President Muizzu stated in an X post that financial independence is paramount for courts to operate free from external influence.

He further elaborated that his cabinet had decided on Wednesday to implement significant changes in the 2026 state budget, aimed at granting the judiciary unprecedented financial and administrative independence.

According to President Muizzu, this initiative involves disbursing a block grant to the judiciary under a specific set of rules, equivalent to a defined percentage of the state’s projected annual revenue. He added that the funds would be disbursed through a mechanism ensuring the judiciary's full financial independence.

"As such, we decided that the percentage will be one that is higher than the current budget ceiling for the judiciary. We have now initiated the legal, technical and systemic changes that this requires,” he affirmed.

Like his predecessors, President Muizzu was elected on a platform promising to end government interference in the judiciary. During his 2023 inaugural speech, he famously declared that all influence over the judiciary had ceased “as of right this moment.”

However, the recent sudden suspension and subsequent dismissal of three Supreme Court judges, amidst a case with significant government interest, have led to accusations that the government is directly influencing the judiciary through parliament and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).